Luke Bryan on Katy Perry's 'American Idol' Departure: Not a Surprise

Luke Bryan Not Surprised by Katy Perry American Idol Exit Announcement

Luke Bryan and Katy Perry FilmMagic; Getty Images

Luke Bryan is sad to see Katy Perry leave American Idol, but he's not surprised by her decision. "I had heard rumors that she was considering it - it wasn't a big shock," Bryan, 47, mentioned in a recent interview with Taste of Country. "I think she just got caught up in the moment with [Jimmy] Kimmel and maybe announced that she was done."

During a February appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Perry, 39, hinted that the current season 22 of American Idol might be her last. She expressed her love for the show, stating that it has connected her with the heart of America. However, she feels the need to step away and march to the beat of her own drum.

Perry also mentioned her desire to explore the world and potentially create new music. She left the door open for a possible return to American Idol in the future. When asked for comment on Perry's departure, no response was received at that time.

Bryan shared with Taste of Country that he has enjoyed judging with Perry since season 16 in 2018. He mentioned, "She and I have developed a great friendship over the years. I've been there since before her daughter was born, and now her daughter is already 3 or 4 years old." (Perry and her fiancé, Orlando Bloom, welcomed their daughter, Daisy, in August 2020.)

He expressed his admiration for Perry as a mother, saying, "It's been really fun to see her in this new role. I've enjoyed getting to know Katy on a personal level." Bryan also mentioned, "She knows that she can always reach out to me for anything, whether it's fishing advice or just to chat."

Luke Bryan Not Surprised by Katy Perry American Idol Exit Announcement 3

Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest, and Luke Bryan. Disney/Eric McCandless

Bryan hinted that his future on American Idol is uncertain. He mentioned that every year they negotiate how they will continue with the show, as it is a year commitment. There is no long-term contract in place, so they will decide whether to come back or not as they reach the later stages of Idol, following this same process for seven years.

Richie, who is 74 years old, shared during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel in February that he was not upset about Perry's departure. He joked that it caught him off guard and his phone was blowing up with the news.

Richie mentioned that he and Bryan were caught off guard by Perry's departure announcement but understand her decision. He added that Katy is young and wants to explore new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of taking time to grow as an artist.

As for who will fill Perry's shoes on Idol, former winner Jordin Sparks expressed interest in joining the judging panel. In a tweet in February, she playfully put her name forward for consideration.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

The departure of Katy Perry from American Idol has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. While her decision may not come as a complete surprise, it's undeniable that she will be dearly missed by fans and fellow judges alike. Luke Bryan's candid interview sheds light on Perry's close bond with the show and her fellow judges, particularly Bryan himself. Their friendship, forged over years of working together and witnessing Perry's journey as a mother, adds a personal touch to the announcement.

Bryan's uncertainty about his own future on American Idol also raises questions about the show's longevity. The year-by-year negotiation process highlights the fluid nature of the judging panel, leaving room for speculation about potential changes. Perry's departure opens up opportunities for fresh perspectives and the potential for new dynamics among the remaining judges. As American Idol continues to evolve, the search for a suitable replacement for Perry will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in maintaining the show's success and appeal.